noun: (idiomatic) For members of a group, equal portions of or equal access to tangible or intangible goods, entitlements, or obligations—i.e., each person's share like each of the other shares. Often used in a context of reciprocity, or pooling resources.
noun: 1697, Daniel Defoe, "Of Academies" in An Essay Upon Projects:
noun: 1897, Edward Stratemeyer, Young Auctioneers; or, the polishing of a Rolling Stone, ch. 13
noun: 1898, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Tragedy of the Korosko, ch. 8:
noun: 1919, Pat Beauchamp, Fanny goes to War (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry), ch. 3:
noun: 1921, B. M. Bower, Sawtooth Ranch, ch. 1:
noun: (law) Equal rights to or equal portions of profits, assets, bequests, or other valuable items legally owed to investors, partners, beneficiaries, or other named associates. If one beneficiary is unable to benefit (for instance, if they have died), their share is divided among the others.
verb: (idiomatic) To divide possessions, benefits, or obligations equally among members of a group.
